Jenson Button has admitted that he overreacted to Lewis Hamilton’s overtake during yesterday’s German Grand Prix, having initially called his approach to the race “strange”.

Fighting back from 20th position on the grid, Hamilton made light work of most of the field when charging through, but could not find a way past Button at first.

The two then made contact at the hairpin, with Hamilton losing his front wing endplate in the clash. He dropped back and appeared to wave his hand in apology to Button before passing one lap later. Lewis said after the race that he thought Jenson would let him through, but JB thought otherwise.

“Why would we let anyone through?” Button mused. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but a lot of drivers take that line to get a good exit.

“I think the problem with Lewis is he expected me to let him past. I don’t think I’m the only person he drove into today.

“It’s strange, when the car is that much quicker you’d think you wouldn’t get into those kind of fights – but there you go.”

However, after looking at the incident properly, Button admitted that he overreacted.

“After watching the race back think I overreacted with my feelings about Lewis’s move,” he tweeted. “I can understand why he thought I was giving him room.

“Amazed we both got around the corner!! F1 put on a great show today and long may it continue!”

Hamilton eventually finished the race in third place, with Button being classified eighth at the flag.